Things To Know Before Visiting Australia

The land down under, home to an array of captivating wildlife, landscapes and culture; Australia is a destination that should be high upon every bucket-list. The country is packed with breathtaking scenery, friendly animals and adrenaline thrilled adventures to make a visit simply unforgettable. Here are things to know before visiting Australia.

1. The landscape is beautifully diverse

Australia is home to a variety of different landscapes to explore. Visitors can wander through towering tropical rainforests, lounge upon ever extending pristine beaches, climb up monstrous mountains, and hike through colourful bushlands. Some unmissable landscapes to experience include the 12 Apostles, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, The Pinnacles, The Great Barrier Reef, and Fraser Island.

Australia coastline

2. Become acquainted with the slang

The language spoken in Oz is the same as any other English speaking country…with the exception of a few confusing slang words. Rather than questioning them and shaking with confusion, it’s best to give in and learn a few phrases to get you by. Here are a few to remember:

Arvo = Afternoon

You Beauty = Great

Bloody Oath = That’s true

Brekky = Breakfast

Choc A Bloc = Full

Good On Ya = Good Work

One exception is the good old fashioned ‘shrimp on the barbie’ line. No one says that so maybe give it a miss. Cheers mate.

3. Prepare for the summer heat

Although Australia is home to many dangerous critters, the biggest threat is the sun. With temperatures reaching low to mid 30s (Celsius), it’s important to take sun safety seriously. Be sure not to skimp on sunscreen and to pack a wide brim hat. For those looking forward to experiencing a hot Christmas, Australia’s summer months are from December to February.

4. Public transport cards differ between states

As opposed to only one card across the country, each city in Australia has a different public transport system. This means a different transport card will need to be used depending on which city is being explored. The public transport cards can typically be attained from the ticketing desk at various train stations.

5. Keep an eye out for wildlife while driving

Especially at night when visibility is low, it’s easy for a kangaroo to slip suddenly in front of the headlights. Keep an eye out for animal crossing signs while driving through bushland and try to remain aware of your surroundings.

Kangaroos

6. The country is massive – Don’t rush a visit

A visit to Australia is one that shouldn’t be rushed – the country is massive after all! A flight from one side to the other can take up to five hours and a drive between major cities typically takes a few days, so take some sweet time to uncover the memorable gems of Oz.

7. There’s no tipping in Australia

Unlike other countries, such as America, tipping is not customary in Australia. Cafes and restaurants will often have tipping jars at the check-out, but there’s no pressure at all.

ADVERTISEMENT

8. Aussies drive on the left

When driving around Australia, remember that everyone drives on the left. Also, keep this in mind when crossing the road so as to look the right way for traffic.

9. Swim between the flags

One of the most important things to know before visiting an Aussie beach: only swim between the red and yellow flags. Some fall victim to the harsh conditions of the water, so it’s best to stay in the sight of lifeguards, not to go out too far, and to be aware of your situation.

10. Besides Uluru, there’s not a lot in the centre

Aside from the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and a collection of smaller locations, the centre of Australia doesn’t have a lot to offer when compared to the country’s coasts. Most of the population is situated towards the coast. If a visit to the outback is a must-do, then some research to uncover a few hidden spots is worth-while.

Uluru

11. See the country by car or campervan

As previously mentioned, Australia’s pretty big! And because the public transport between states can be inflexible, time-consuming and costly, it can be worth renting a car or a campervan. Visitors renting a car can open up a whole other side of Australia to explore while having the freedom to do so at the desired pace. Read tips for long drives and road trips.

12. Carry cash with you

Not every shop in Australia accepts credit/ debit cards and the ones that do often have a surcharge for low-cost transactions. To avoid these fees altogether it’s best to have a little bit of cash at all times.

13. The beaches are amazing

Australia has earnt its reputation for being home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches. Golden sand, clear waters, refreshing temperatures – what’s not to love? Take the time to explore the never-ending supply of beautiful Aussie beaches across the eastern Queensland Coast.

Beaches in Australia

Author Bio

Nicholas Hastie is a travel and health writer located in Brisbane, Australia. He is passionate about documenting his journeys through writing and photography. Nicholas enjoys sharing his travel stories online and encouraging others to travel and create unforgettable memories.